The holidays are a time to shake off the usual ‘rules and regulations’ we impose upon ourselves in the name of health and well-being. We know that a few days off the diet or meal plan won’t hurt, and the emotional benefits those days bring are well worth the extra intake.
Then again, it’s hard to shake off the habits of a lifetime, and most of us want to retain some level of control over what we eat – and, more specifically, how much. We don’t necessarily want to drop the gym routine altogether, even if the very mention of ‘working out’ inspires groans and grumbles from the extended family.
When the table is laid with vibrant dishes glistening in the candlelight – when the wine is poured and the silver seder plate holds its symbolic items, or the plump turkey steams at the center, or the pumpkin pie is cut into the most generous of wedges – how do you strike a balance without missing out?
Pace yourself
When a big holiday – one known for its delectable treats – is coming up, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of 2-3 days (or more) punctuated by indulgence after indulgence. If you like to keep a close watch on your health, it can all feel very daunting.
The trick is to approach the holiday as a series of bitesize (pun intended) chunks. First, breakfast – tackle that without letting your mind spiral to lunch, dinner, dessert, tomorrow’s breakfast, tomorrow’s lunch…
Everything comes one at a time, and you’re just going to stress yourself out if you try to prepare for it all in one go.
Don’t try to compensate
A few days outside of your usual eating habits won’t make a difference – and, if you start trying to second-guess how much you had at lunch when dinner rolls around, you’ll miss out on the fun of the moment itself.
Not to mention the fact that, if you let yourself go hungry between meals, you’re only going to want more when the time to eat does come around.
Adapt your workout routine
Who wants to go to the gym when there’s frost on the ground, and the whole family has flown in from who-knows-where to spend a few blissful days in one another’s company?
That doesn’t mean you can’t stay active – after all, running around to set the table for twenty and ensure there are enough potatoes peeled for second servings will get anyone’s blood pumping.
Consider adapting your routine.
Go for a few brisk walks around the block in the morning, or when the mid-afternoon stillness starts to creep in. Do a workout from your computer in your bedroom – or anywhere there’s floor space – but don’t be hard on yourself if you just can’t find an opportunity.
Don’t fixate
Holidays are designed to be a welcome reprieve from life as usual, so why cling to a routine that serves you just to find the rest of the year? These holidays only come around once in a while, so forget about building good habits for a couple of days and enjoy your holiday along with everyone else.